Abstract

Abstract
‎ Intertextuality can basically be defined as the influence and existence of previous texts or ‎speeches in the construction of present one. The current study tackles the problem that ‎determining the functions of the intertextual elements helps in better understanding and ‎interpreting of literary texts. Thus, not well-equipped readers of intertextuality and its functions ‎get problems in interpreting and understanding some texts filled of such functions. The present ‎study aims to: firstly, investigate the intertextual types in some Mahfouz’s novel, namely,‎‏"‏Khan ‎al-Kahlili‏"‏‎ (1946), "al-Midaq Alley" (1947) and "Awlad Haratina" (1959), secondly, look at ‎the functions of intertextuality in the three novels under focus. The hypotheses the present study ‎puts forward are as follows: firstly, realizing functions of intertextuality is a crucial element ‎contributes for better understanding different layers of a literary text. Secondly, intertextuality ‎enhances and enriches the aesthetic structure of literary texts. As for the analysis of data, the ‎study has adapted Ahmed’s model (2010). Accordingly, intertextuality is divided into three ‎main types, namely, religious intertextuality, literary intertextuality and other types of ‎intertextuality. It is found that intertextuality is utilized by writers for: communicative, rhetorical ‎and aesthetic functions. It is also discovered that intertextuality is a useful strategy employed by ‎text producers.‎